Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- In the most anticipated game of the season, LSU Coach Les Miles had three of his key players - cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, running back Spencer Ware and key reserve defensive back Tharold Simon - back in action Saturday night against No. 2 ranked Alabama.

Rusty Costanza / The Times-PicayuneThe LSU Tigers block a field goal attempt against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant Denny-Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday.

With the trio returning after serving a one-game suspension two weeks ago for violating the school's drug policy, the No. 1-ranked Tigers (9-0, 6-0 in the SEC) had to be at full strength against the Crimson Tide, who won its first eight games by an average of 32.5 points.

But the Tigers, with help from Mathieu and Simon, kept the Crimson Tide's from scoring a touchdown in their 9-6 overtime victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

In overtime, the Crimson Tide actually lost yardage - minus-10 on three plays - before Cade Foster's missed a 52-yard field goal attempt.

In the first quarter, the Tigers forced the Crimson Tide to go scoreless despite penetration in their territory as Alabama missed field-goal attempts of 44 and 50 yards.

Before playing LSU, the Crimson Tide had outscored opponents 243-25 in the final three quarters of games this season. But the Tide went scoreless in the fourth quarter.

"It was tough out there," Alabama Coach Nick Saban said. "We got to the 30-yard four times and missed three field goals."

Mathieu, whose nickname is the Honey Badger, had five tackles in a punishing defensive effort that limited Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Richardson to 89 yards rushing.

In the second quarter, Mathieu made a touchdown-saving tackle at the LSU 19, pushing Richardson out of bounds after a 39-yard catch.

Simon, who mostly played in the Tigers' nickel packages, had two tackles.

In a defensive tussle, Ware found running lines hard to come by against an Alabama defense that had led the nation in rushing yards allowed (44.9), total yards (180.5) and points allowed (6.9).

After gaining 10 yards on opening drive, Ware was held to 12 yards and finished with 28 on 14 carries. Michael Ford was the Tigers' leading rusher with 54 yards rushing on nine carries, many coming in the spread option attack that kept the Tide off balance.

Near the end of the first half when LSU needed only two yards for a touchdown, Ware was stopped for no gain.

It forced the Tigers to settle for a 19-yard field goal by Drew Alleman that tied the score at 3 at halftime.